Staff Sgt. Moshe Malko named as one of the 13 Golani soldiers killed in action

The IDF releases seventh name of soldier killed in clashes with Hamas in Gaza Sunday in what is deadliest day of operation thus far.

Moshe Malko.
(photo credit:IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)

The IDF on Monday announced that Staff Sgt. Moshe Malko, 20, from Jerusalem, was among the 13 Golani soldiers killed in action in Gaza early on Sunday morning.

Malko will be laid to rest at 4 p.m. Monday at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem. Malko was promoted to Staff Sgt. from the rank of Sgt. following his death.

Yosef Hailo, a brother-in-law of Moshe, described him as “a courageous young man” who was always ready to support others.

“Moshe loved to help others, but especially his family,” Yosef told The Jerusalem Post. “He would do everything for others, he’d always volunteer for any task that needed doing, you could always get help from him,” he continued.

Yosef noted that Moshe’s older brother was murdered several years ago and that the crime has never been solved, saying that the psychological wound from this incident was still prevalent in the family and is now compounded by Moshe’s death.

“Because of the pain of his brother’s murder he always wanted to cheer up his other brothers and sisters, and make them laugh,” Yosef continued. “He himself was always laughing, he didn’t get annoyed or moody, and he always had a smile on his face.”

Moshe would help out paying the household bills and wished to advance in the army and gain a senior rank in order to help his family.

He last spoke with his mother on Friday and in keeping with his character remained upbeat and told her that everything would be ok.

Yosef said that the family wanted to the Jewish People to be strong in these difficult times and to keep fighting for the country.